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SOLD OUT – EPA Victoria will deliver content developed for ALGA’s members, diving deeper into area of interest. In combination, this event delivers value through stimulating discussion focused on strengthening industry/regulator relationships and improving industry performance, whilst providing useful take aways.
Topics
Under the Victorian Environment Protection Act (2017), a duty holder is required to clean-up their contaminated land (including groundwater) so far as reasonably practicable. However, due to the wide range of factors that may inform ‘reasonably practicable’ clean up, such as risks of harm, technical feasibility and cost, there is not a consensus of the level of groundwater clean up that can be practicably achieved across different hydrogeological settings in Victoria.
Cheryl will be outlining an initiative undertaken by EPA Victoria’s Permitting Unit to develop an internal procedure designed to streamline the assessment, and improve the decision-making timeframe, for certain lower risk waste designation applications relating to waste soils with naturally occurring contaminants. This new, evidence-based approach was rolled out in July 2025 and relates to applications for naturally elevated arsenic, nickel and fluoride.
Our guest presenter from ANU brings valuable scientific depth to the industry update, helping translate leading research on legacy pollution into practical insights for industry.
Coal-fired power stations in the Latrobe Valley are often identified as major sources of metal contamination. While they are an important contributor, they are not the only source, and a historical perspective is required to fully understand contamination in the Valley. Major contributors include coal-fired power generation, gold mining, and the paper mill industry, resulting in a mixture of historical and contemporary metal pollution. In this presentation, results from a regional assessment of metal concentrations in rivers and lakes across the Latrobe Valley are presented. Current metal distributions in the main river systems are examined, key drivers are identified, and contamination hotspots are highlighted. These findings are directly relevant to remediation planning and restoration efforts.
Presenters (EPA Victoria)
The event is designed to serve as a crucial platform for policy makers and regulators to disseminate information to the environmental sector. This exchange of information is intended to enhance our collective approach to environmental management and compliance. Furthermore, it offers environmental professionals an opportunity to engage with policy makers and regulators on matters of industry significance, gain clearer insights into evolving issues, expanding states of knowledge, or changing regulations. In addition, there is significant benefit to new entrants and those requiring clarification to understand the roles of the departments and where they interface.
The overarching objective is to establish a dependable channel of communication that bridges the gap between those working in environmental industries and, policy makers and regulators. This communication aims to foster better outcomes for the Victorian community and environment by jointly addressing pivotal issues and adapting to significant regulatory changes. Pillars of the proposed sessions are:
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Your ticket includes a complimentary drink and a selection of appetizers. Please note that this is not a formal dinner event.
BYO! To minimise our use of plastic, we encourage delegates to bring their own reusable water bottles and coffee cups.
Due to the venue’s security measures, make sure you arrive on time.
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Tim is a Senior Scientist at EPA Science. A hydrogeologist with 20 years experience, he has been involved in groundwater resource and environmental investigations associated with the contaminated land, development of water supplies for potable and irrigation purposes, salinity studies, groundwater flow processes and surface water interactions, mine and geotechnical dewatering, mineral springs, low grade geothermal, and managed aquifer recharge.
Jack is a scientist in EPA Victoria’s Environmental Science Branch. He joined EPA Victoria in 2023 and has provided subject matter expert advice for a wide range contaminated land and hydrogeological assessments. Jack trained as a chemical engineer at the University of Melbourne. Prior to joining EPA, he participated in contaminated land research at Casey Station, Antarctica cleaning up historic fuel spills before working for a consultancy for three years.
Cheryl is currently a Team Leader in the Permitting Unit at EPA Victoria and has over 2 decades of experience, initially in remediation and then over a decade as an environmental consultant. Over the past five years, Cheryl has held multiple roles in the Permissioning Unit at EPA Victoria, including as Acting Manager for the Permitting Unit. Her team assess all manner of permitting and waste designation applications and always strives for process improvement.
A/Prof Larissa Schneider is an environmental scientist at the Australian National University whose research examines the historical and ongoing sources and geochemical distribution of mercury and metals in the environment from different industries. She is the founder and convenor of Mercury Australia and a member of the Open-Ended Scientific Group of the United Nations Minamata Convention, providing scientific and technical expertise to assess whether the Convention is effectively reducing mercury pollution and its impacts.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Level 38/477 Collins St
Melbourne VIC 3000
Member: $49.00
Non-Member: $99.00
Welcome Branch: $30.00
Student: $15.00
SOLD OUT
Up to 1 CPD point
SOLD OUT
